Stay in the boat!!!
My pastor said this during his sermon yesterday. This statement made me smile for a couple of different reasons, but the biggest reason is due to one of my best Christian friends Kathy. We use to work together and sat next to each other. Her and I would talk about our issues and she would tell me to keep trusting God and to stay in the boat. The irony of our saying is that we started this before Kirk's passing. The night he passed away and on our ride home from his shop, which I only remember a few minutes of it here and there, my mom asked me if there was anyone that I wanted her to call. I told her yes, please call Kathy. Kathy and a couple of my closest friends showed up at my parent's house and sat with us until very late that night. Kathy sat with Emily and stroked her hair and talked to her sweetly. She would tell me to hang on and stay in the boat. It is some of the best advice I could have received.
This world is going to fail us, we are told that in the Bible. When Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of Life, their eyes were open and sin entered the world. This is known as the great fall. The penalty of this sin is death. Haven't we all suffered from this pivotal point of history? We all have experienced death, deception, and pain. Sin does not elude any of us. There is only one sinless man that lived and his name is Jesus.
I cannot imagine not putting my trust in Jesus and giving into His will everyday. I cannot imagine being on this path and not trusting Jesus to be with me. Psalm 18:35 NIV tells us, "You make your saving help my shield, and your right hand sustains me; your help has made me great." Without Jesus, I would not stay in the boat. I would convert to this world and dive out on my own. Without Jesus, I would try to tread the deep waters of grief only to find myself drowning in sorrow, self pity, and bitterness. With Jesus, I have hope and can give praise for tomorrow. I can look forward to a future that Jesus has designed just for me. "In you, Lord my God, I put my trust" Psalm 25:1 NIV. If you memorize any verse, memorize this one. It's short and definitely to the point.
Easter is only a week and a half away. If you haven't already, would you consider putting your trust in Him. He is always there at our right hand waiting for us to enter into a relationship with Him. He gives us rest, salvation and grace. There is nothing that can keep you away from His saving grace. He loves us, Ohhh how he loves us!!!
Lord, thank you for loving me and staying at my right hand always. Lord I trust that you will guide me on my path and will never leave or fail me. This world proves time and again how we fail others and others fail us, but you NEVER fail. You are perfect and sinless. Lord I pray that others that haven't accepted you in their heart will do so soon. This world has an expiration date, but you are eternal!! I pray in Your precious name. Amen
This is dedicated to my friend Kathy. I love and miss you but always know I am in that boat with you!! Thank you for your kindness, friendship, and most of all your love and prayers!!!
